If you’re craving something fresh, creamy, and packed with wholesome flavor, the Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This delightful salad blends tender shredded chicken with rich, buttery avocado and bright lime juice, creating a perfectly harmonious balance of taste and texture. It’s not only quick to make but also incredibly nutritious, making it a go-to for easy lunches, light dinners, or impressive gatherings with friends. Once you try this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe has a special role, creating a symphony of flavors and crunch that come together effortlessly. These simple essentials ensure you get a creamy, tangy, and satisfying salad every time.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped chicken for that perfect tender protein base.
- 1 ripe avocado: Peeling and mashing this gives the salad its creamy, luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: This adds extra creaminess and moisture; Greek yogurt keeps it lighter while mayo gives more richness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents the avocado from browning too quickly.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: Adds a crisp bite and a touch of sharpness.
- 1/4 cup chopped celery: Brings crunch and freshness to every mouthful.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Offers a fragrant, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the vibrant flavors.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, mash the ripe avocado together with your choice of plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and the fresh lime juice. This creamy blend sets the tone for your salad, ensuring every bite has that smooth, rich texture with a zesty kick.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Veggies
Fold in the shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped red onion, crunchy celery, and bright cilantro. Each ingredient brings its unique texture and flavor, creating a delightful contrast throughout the salad.
Step 3: Season it Perfectly
Sprinkle garlic powder over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until every piece is evenly coated with the delicious avocado dressing. This simple seasoning really ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry
You can enjoy the salad immediately, but letting it chill for about 30 minutes in the fridge allows the flavors to meld, making it even more irresistible. Trust me, the wait is totally worth it!
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of red onion on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the salad’s presentation. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add an extra zing if they desire.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with crunchy vegetable sticks or a side of crisp green salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal. You can also serve it alongside baked sweet potato fries or whole grain crackers to add texture and substance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe stuffed inside crunchy lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap, or pile it on toasted sourdough bread for a hearty sandwich. For a fun and elegant twist, spoon it into avocado halves or hollowed-out cherry tomatoes for individual bites that impress every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed the same day because avocado tends to brown. However, if you have leftovers, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air contact and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This trick helps keep the vibrant color and fresh taste.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe since the avocado’s creamy texture will change upon thawing, becoming watery and unpleasant. It’s best to prepare fresh batches as needed for the best experience.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving if it’s been chilled.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor to your Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe. Just shred it and you’re ready to go.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great alternative that keeps the salad creamy but with less fat and more protein. It also adds a slight tanginess that complements the avocado wonderfully.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Lime juice in the recipe helps slow browning, and storing the salad with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface is key to keeping it fresh longer.
Can I add other vegetables or fruits?
Definitely! Finely diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even diced mango or pineapple add exciting textures and flavors, giving the salad a fresh twist every time.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
This Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally low in carbs and full of healthy fats, making it a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is a vibrant, creamy, and healthy dish that’s as delicious as it is simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and enjoy every flavorful, satisfying bite!
Print
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy, nutritious, and delicious dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender cooked chicken breast with ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, and crunchy veggies, it offers a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional chicken salad. Serve it on toast, in lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and mashed
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, mash the avocado with the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) and lime juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which creates the flavorful base of the salad.
- Add the chicken and vegetables: Incorporate the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, finely chopped red onion, celery, and fresh cilantro into the avocado mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Season and combine: Sprinkle garlic powder and season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Stir all ingredients gently until well coated and combined.
- Serve or chill: You can serve the salad immediately for freshness or chill it for 30 minutes to help the flavors meld together. Enjoy it on toast, in lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling.
Notes
- Best served the same day due to avocado browning.
- To keep leftovers fresh, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and added flavor.
